Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has given no indication on where he will play next year as his massive AFL contract decision looms.
The young gun impressed again on Friday night as St Kilda held off a much-improved Essendon to win by two points at Marvel Stadium.
Wanganeen-Milera kicked a stunning goal in the third term, again highlighting that his decision will be huge in the post-season. He is weighing up whether to stay at the Saints or return to his native SA.
The Saints star suffered a head knock in the frantic closing minutes, but played out the game. He gave a rare interview after the 11.11 (77) to 11.9 (75) win.
"Obviously it's a decison, everybody knows about it ... I've spoken to my manager and family as well, they're included in my decision," Wanganeen-Milera told the Seven Network.
"I'm just focused on finishing the season off and giving my all to this football club, giving my all, playing week-in, week-out."
Bombers defender Mason Redman had a flying shot to win the game with less than 10 seconds left but could manage only a behind.
While Essendon's losing streak extended to 11, St Kilda' biggest winning margin in their late-season winning streak of four has been nine points.
When Mason Wood and Cooper Sharman crucially kicked successive goals in the last term, the Saints' eight-point lead was their biggest in the match.
Kyle Langford responded to keep Essendon in the game and the Bombers were much better on Friday night, but the Saints were able to hold off their challenge.
Saints onballer Marcus Windhager and captain Jack Steele were high among their best.
Essendon's much-publicised injury woes persisted, with key defender Jayden Laverde forced off with hip damage and impressive forward Liam McMahon hurting his arm after kicking three goals.
Jack Higgins and Sharman kicked three goals apiece for the Saints, while Redman had a game-high 36 disposals in defence,
After botching a set shot earlier in the third term, Wanganeen-Milera burst from a centre bounce and kicked a sublime goal on the run to put the Saints six points up at the last change.
Saints coach Ross Lyon had been in an animated mood ahead of the game, taking aim at speculation in the last couple of days about player potentially leaving the club.
He then took a swipe at Marvel Stadium management when the roof was left open late enough on Friday for rain to fall on the playing surface pre-game.
Lyon made a rare social media post, joking on X that he had been looking forward to former Essendon player Gary Moorcroft taking another big mark at the venue in the Bombers' legends exhibition game.
"Oh no might be hard - Marvel Stadium did not manage to close the roof before the rain came," Lyon said.
But Lyon's mood would have soured quickly as the Bombers put his team under strong early pressure.
The Bombers piled the heat onto the Saints and won the opening term for the first time since round 12.
Rhys Unwin, Essendon's 15th debutant this year, kicked his first goal and was a livewire.
The Saints hit back with the last three goals of the half and trailed by only one point at the main break, before edging the Bombers in a hair-raising second half.
